Trigger Trainer

ABSTRACT

An insert is placed in the trigger guard between the front portion of the trigger guard and the trigger to reduce the size of the opening designed to accommodate the trigger finger and permit only a portion of the finger to be inserted for engaging the trigger, typically the outer tip area between the tip and the first joint of the finger. The training tool guides the trigger finger into the right position, establishing proper alignment of the finger to the trigger and increasing the probability that the probability that the trigger will be properly squeezed by promoting proper placement of the trigger finger each time the trigger is engaged. After repeated use with the trigger guard, the placement of the finger will become automatic.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is generally related to firearm training apparatus fortesting and training marksmen and is specifically directed to anapparatus for controlling and training the proper contact with andsqueeze force applied to a trigger.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art

One of the most critical aspects of good marksmanship is directlyrelated to the proper contact with and squeeze force or pressure appliedto the trigger. There have been a number of devices and techniquesdeveloped of the years to monitor trigger squeeze in an effort toimprove both training and practice efforts to improve this basic skill.All of the known techniques involve monitoring the results of practicerounds and taking corrective action on a trial and error basis.

For example, the RIKA Home Trainer manufactured by PilkingtonCompetition Equipment, LLC of Monteagle, Tennessee, analyzes allmovements by the shooter before the shots and hits are taken in order todevelop an understanding of the shooter's technique. The apparatusrecords all relevant data make up the shooters aim and hold. Therecorded data can then be reproduced in real time and applied to presetminimum requirements for analysis.

The “Trigger Trainer” manufactured by Full-Scale Tactics Inc.(TheTriggerTrainer.com) is designed to enhance firearm proficiency andspeed by exclusively isolating and training the index finger for thedevelopment of smooth trigger control. The Trigger Trainer isolates andtrains the trigger finger, enhancing the muscle memory and fingerdexterity that are essential to smooth trigger control. This devicemeasures trigger action of the shooter, provides results and permitscorrection by typical repetitive trial and error techniques.

Next Level Training of Ferndale, Washington, has developed a standalonedry fire training pistol with the intent to provide a tool for trainingskill sets nearly anywhere. Again, the Next Level Training device is asystem for recording and analyzing training, with corrections being madeby trial and error.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,235, Feb. 16, 1988, discloses a device for trainingand scoring marksmanship by tracking and recording results of simulatedfiring. By displaying graphically the actual character of the trainee'strigger squeeze, the trainee can change the application of fingerpressure more readily to match the desired ideal technique.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,418,822, Jan. 17, 1945, discloses a training deviceusing a simulated weapon in training marksmen wherein proper triggersqueeze is taught by repetition and review of results.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,402, May 8, 1990, discloses a marksmanship trainerthat includes a long range light pen to measure sighting accuracy andtracking steadiness. Bridge configured dual strain gauges are used tosense breathing, and a force sensing resistor is used to monitor triggersqueeze. The feedback of corrective action is providedaurally/graphically from a stored expert library.

U.S. Pat. App. Pub. US 2001/0047847, Mar. 3, 2011, discloses a firearmtraining tool having a trigger take-up indicating system. The triggermodule is adjustable to adjust various properties of the trigger. Thetake up indicator can be of a variety of forms such as an illuminatingdevice, in general, a noisemaker, a vibrator, or otherwise some form ofindicator such as an RF transmitter sending a signal to an RF receiverindicating that the trigger is taken up. In general, trigger take-upmeans that the trigger member is partially pressed. In one form, take-upincludes partial pressure to reposition the trigger to a set point suchas where a seer or simulated seer is engaged. This system is designed tobe observed by a trainer or other individual or system to indicatewhether the trainee is taking up the trigger at a proper time. Theinformation can then be analyzed to correct techniques using a trial anderror method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Unlike the prior art, the subject invention is a device which assuresproper contact with and pressure applied to the trigger. Specifically,it is a training device that actually positions the trigger fingerproperly on the trigger, promoting proper contact and facilitating aproper squeeze or pressure force.

It is known that good marksmanship requires the development of numerousskills, including:

-   draws,-   reloads,-   presenting gun on target,-   natural point of aim,-   TRIGGER CONTROL,-   awkward shooting positions,-   increasing overall speed and accuracy,-   acceptable sight picture/sight alignment-   scenarios (shooting live targets with safety protocol in place),-   target transitions,-   driving the eyes and bringing the gun on target without over    traveling-   weapon transitions (rifle to pistol),-   prepping the trigger at appropriate times-   prepping when muzzle is aligned on target-   not prepping when muzzle is not pointed at something you are willing    to destroy-   decelerating the body to a shooting position ready to shoot.

Of these skill sets, trigger control is one of the hardest to master andit has a major impact on the accuracy of the shooter. In order tomaximize the ability to use a weapon accurately it is imperative thatthis skill be mastered. While the analysis and trial and errortechniques of the prior can improve this skill over time, under theprior art techniques the trainee can only master the skill by observingand duplicating the trigger control methods employed by experts andtrainers.

The subject invention provides a training tool that guides the triggerfinger into the right position, establishing proper alignment of thefinger to the trigger and increasing the probability that, because ofproper positioning, the trigger will be properly squeezed.

Specifically, the device of the subject invention is an insert which canbe placed in the trigger guard between the front portion of the triggerguard and the trigger. This reduces the size of the opening designed toaccommodate the trigger finger and permits only a portion of the fingerto be inserted for engaging the trigger, typically the outer tip areabetween the tip and the first joint of the finger. Having the finger inthis position enhances the probability that the trigger will be properlysqueezed. Using this as a trigger trainer promotes proper placement ofthe trigger finger each time the trigger is engaged. After repeated usewith the trigger guard, the placement of the finger will becomeautomatic.

Typically, the trainer can only give verbal instruction to the traineeas to how to engage the trigger, or at best visual demonstrations. Usingprior art methods and devices, the trainee was never able to actuallysee and feel how his own finger should be positioned when engaging thetrigger. Use of the device of the subject invention reduces trainingstress, minimizes shooter problems relating to trigger control andreduces training time and costs. It increases confidence through muchquicker increased shooting performance.

In the preferred embodiment the trigger trainer device of the subjectinvention is a temporary insert in the trigger guard. It may beconstructed of any suitable, substantially rigid synthetic material. Thetrigger trainer may be custom designed for the specific weapon, andwhere desired, may be custom designed for each trainee. In oneembodiment the trigger trainer device includes extended side wallsforming a groove along the guard engaging edge for securing the triggertrainer in place. However, in most applications the extended side wallsand groove are not necessary.

The trigger trainer device of the subject invention reduces the spacebetween the shooter's trigger finger and the trigger; prevents theshooter from placing too much of the trigger finger on the trigger,prevents the shooter from slapping the trigger by deflecting the triggerfinger back to the trigger, preventing the finger from exiting thetrigger guard; enhances the proper grip of the weapon by requiring theshooting hand to be properly positioned in order to assure properalignment of the trigger finger; and increases balance by placing thehand in the position designed to assure best balance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the trigger trainer.

FIG. 2 is view of the trigger trainer without extended walls and groove.

FIG. 3 is a view of the trigger trainer of FIG. 2 installed in a triggerguard.

FIG. 4 is a view of the trigger trainer with extended side walls andgroove.

FIG. 5 is a view of the trigger trainer of FIG. 4 installed in a triggerguard.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5 and shows the proximity of the trigger tothe trigger trainer when properly installed.

FIG. 7 shows placement of the hand to assure proper alignment of thetrigger finger from the side.

FIG. 8 shows placement of the hand to assure proper alignment of thetrigger finger from the front.

FIG. 9 shows proper placement of the trigger finger on the trigger ascontrolled by the trigger trainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, the trigger trainer 10 of the subject invention is asubstantially rigid insert or base made of any suitable syntheticmaterial. The front or outer edge 12 of the insert is adapted to beplaced against the front 16 of a typical trigger guard 14 (see FIG. 3).The rear or inner edge 18 is concave and with the trigger 20 is designedto provide a controlled opening for the tip of the trigger finger.

The front view of a trigger trainer 10 a, without extended side walls ora guard engaging groove is shown in FIG. 2 and is installed in thetrigger guard 14 as shown in FIG. 3.

The front view of a trigger trainer 10 b with extended side walls 22 and24 which form a groove 26 is shown in FIG. 4 and is installed in thetrigger guard 14 as shown in FIG. 5. It will be noted that the sidewalls 22 and 24 extend beyond the trigger guard 14 with the guard seatedin the resulting groove 26.

FIGS. 6 through 9 illustrate the placement of the shooting hand and thetrigger finger when the trigger trainer is in place. FIG. 6 shows thetrigger trainer (in the example trigger trainer 10 b) in place on theguard 14 with a suitable opening 30 between the rear wall 18 of thetrigger trainer and the trigger 20. This enhances proper placement ofthe hand 32 and finger 34, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, assuring properplacement of the trigger finger and improving weapon balance. Theposition of the trigger finger 34 is controlled as shown in FIG. 9, withthe trigger finger tip 36 between the outer tip and first joint of thefinger being all that can engage the trigger, assuring proper placementof the trigger finger on the trigger.

It has been found that the trigger trainer of the subject inventiongreatly enhances training on trigger control and trigger pressure.

While certain features and embodiments of the invention have beendescribed in detail herein it should be understood that the inventionencompasses all modifications and enhancements within the scope andspirit of the following claims.

1. A trigger trainer for a weapon having a trigger and a trigger guard,the trigger trainer comprising: a. A substantially rigid base sized tofit in the trigger guard between the trigger guard and the trigger; b. Afront wall of the base conforming to a front wall of the trigger guard;and c. A back wall of the base shaped to form, with the trigger, anopening for a finger.
 2. The trigger trainer of claim 1, wherein thetrigger trainer is a unitary element constructed of a substantiallyrigid material.
 3. The trigger trainer of claim 2, wherein thesubstantially rigid material is synthetic.
 4. The trigger trainer ofclaim 1, further including a groove in the front wall of the base forreceiving the front wall of the trigger guard.
 5. The trigger trainer ofclaim 1, wherein the opening for a finger is sized to permit only thetip of the finger from the outer tip of the finger to the first joint toenter into the trigger guard.